While not everybody enjoys having their photo taken, people do make the most fascinating subjects. Getting the perfect shot can take a little practice, so we’ve put together our top five tips to help you put friends and family in the frame with portrait photos:

Is the light right?

It’s best to avoid bright sunlight, so start by looking for a shady place. This will soften the light and avoid dark shadows obscuring your shot. Look for areas of even lighting, such as next to a high wall, or when a cloud completely covers the sun. Dawn and dusk also create magical soft and subtle lighting that’s ideal for creating stunning portrait shots.